Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 18
Diti’s Puṁsavana Vow, Indra’s Intervention, and the Birth of the Maruts
बाण आराध्य गिरिशं लेभे तद्गणमुख्यताम् । यत्पार्श्वे भगवानास्ते ह्यद्यापि पुरपालक: ॥ १८ ॥
bāṇa ārādhya giriśaṁ lebhe tad-gaṇa-mukhyatām yat-pārśve bhagavān āste hy adyāpi pura-pālakaḥ
バーナ王はギリーシャ（主シヴァ）を篤く礼拝したため、シヴァの随伴者の中でも名高い重鎮となった。今なおバガヴァーン・シャンカラは彼の傍らに立ち、その都城を守護している。
FAQs
This verse states that by propitiating Lord Śiva, Bāṇa attained exalted status among Śiva’s attendants, and Śiva personally remained as the protector of his city—showing the tangible protection and elevation granted by Śiva’s favor.
Śukadeva highlights the enduring nature of Śiva’s guardianship: because Bāṇa pleased Śiva through worship, Śiva stayed by his side as a continuing protector, emphasizing the steadfastness of a deity’s benediction once granted.
The verse underscores disciplined worship and sincere devotion: by steady reverence and service to the divine, one gains inner strength, protection, and rightful standing—encouraging consistent spiritual practice rather than sporadic effort.